He said: “I urge everyone to avoid these situations that endanger men’s lives.”

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) would be the one that authorises any use of the navy to protect British fishermen.

In a statement, the government said it was ‘aware’ of aggression directed towards UK fishing vessels in the Channel ‘not under UK control’.

However, defending the British fishermen, Whitehall insisted they were ‘operating in an area they are legally entitled to fish’.

Responding to the calls for additional protection, a spokeswoman said: “The safety of the UK fleet is our highest priority, and we will continue to monitor the presence and activities of vessels in the area.

“We are in contact with industry and the French administration to encourage meaningful dialogue and prevent further incidents from occurring.”